Welcome to Green Phoenix Collaborative at Molbak’s!
When we had to suddenly shut down Molbak’s retail operations in January 2024, the outpouring of memories, support and affection from all corners of our community meant so much to us. People sent letters, posted on social media, wrote editorials, called elected officials, cleared out the shelves at the final sale and more.
Motivated by that community support, we’ve spent the last two months working to determine if there’s a possible next chapter—one that draws from Molbak's deep roots and branches out in fresh directions.
We think there is!
Our new endeavor, called Green Phoenix Collaborative at Molbak’s (GPC), will highlight ideas that have been essential to Molbak’s since its beginning in 1956: connecting people with nature, beauty and each other.
While Green Phoenix Collaborative is built on the heritage of Molbak’s, our approach will be different. Since we can no longer be a large-format retailer, we’re going to focus on being a catalyst and connector in the community. We’re eager to engage with collaborators and partners who want to work with us to bring the GPC concept to life. Together, we can create something compelling and collaborative that will inform, inspire and empower people to action.
Green Phoenix Collaborative will transform our long-time home into a transformational community hub for all things gardening, green and climate-friendly. There will be a wide range of programs, classes and events and lots of different ways for people to get involved.
Watch The Green Phoenix Collaborative Video.
Molbak's Owner Jens Molbak and CEO Julie Kouhia talk about the vision for Green Phoenix Collaborative.
The Vision
Green Phoenix Collaborative will focus on five main types of offerings: Products, Services, Education, Inspiration and Innovation. Content and programming will be provided by a range of companies, nonprofits and public agencies. Some of the possibilities we’re envisioning include:
Plants, products, pop-up stores and services related to gardening, landscaping, art, crafts, design and more.
Seasonal farmer’s markets, festive fall gatherings and winter holiday markets.
Solution gardens that showcase local talent and best practices for sustainability, climate change adaptation and regenerative agriculture.
A community garden where you can grow vegetables, herbs and flowers.
Expert-led classes and workshops where master gardeners, landscapers, designers and artists can share their knowledge.
Engaging programs for kids and teens to inspire our next generation of environmental stewards.
An online experience that includes podcasts, classes and other programming.
Workspaces for makers and innovators to build, create and grow.
Cozy spots to sample local wines, whiskeys, beers and food.
Overall, a place for the community to gather, learn and take action in sustainable ways.
Join Us
Green Phoenix Collaborative is a community-driven initiative that is fueled by passion and participation—and we need your help to be successful.
Our goal is to raise $2.5 million by May 9, 2024. If we reach out fundraising goal, we expect our first partners could be operating in the space in June 2024, and we’ll spend the next 6-9 months creating additional partnerships, programming and content. If we can’t raise enough funds to move forward, we’ll give everyone their money back and know that the timing wasn’t right for this new idea.
We’ve already invested $1 million to pre-seed Green Phoenix Collaborative. We estimate an additional $2.5 million is needed to get up and running. $1 million will cover basic annual operating costs including utilities, insurance, maintenance and other expenses. The remaining funds will be used to hire a small team, create programming, establish an online presence and bring partners, vendors and other participants onboard to provide a unique and engaging experience for everyone.
We plan to raise this startup money through online crowdfunding on the Indiegogo platform. We’re also very open to sponsorships and are considering a membership model to support ongoing operations.
You can help us build a vibrant community where people can create, learn, grow and take action—a place where active and engaged members contribute to, and benefit from, our collected efforts towards a better and more sustainable world. Join us by supporting Green Phoenix Collaborative on Indiegogo.
The more people who know about Green Phoenix Collaborative, the better chance we have to reach our fundraising goal. Please follow us on social media and share our posts with your network. Spread the word so that we can spread our wings!
Questions or ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at contact@molbaks.com.
